What do you get when you combine two Kiwi gals, one convertible and 8000 miles? The ultimate US road trip.
My good friend Amber and I completed this lifelong dream in May when we began our journey in Phoenix, Arizona.
We set off towards the Grand Canyon where we had pre-booked a seven-hour return mule-riding trip into the canyon.
Absolutely amazing.
From the Grand Canyon we continued on to Route 66 in New Mexico.
Being able to drive a stretch of road which we had heard so much about was fantastic.
We completed the experience by having a hamburger and fries at a Route 66 diner.
Bill's Chicken and BBQ was our next memorable stop, in Davis, Oklahoma.
Bill explained enthusiastically to us about each of his dishes and we feasted on catfish and hushpuppies until we just could not eat any more.
Memphis, Tennessee was another place where we discovered yet more amazing food.
The BBQ ribs and pulled pork we ate at King's Palace Cafe in Beale St were to die for.
Listening to live jazz over dinner completed the Memphis experience.
The best small town was a place amusingly called Bald Knob, in Arkansas.
They were celebrating their annual "Homefest" the day we arrived.
The locals were amazed we were from New Zealand with one local listening in awe, as he had never heard an accent before.
Another culinary discovery in Bald Knob was the Peanut Butter Pie at the Market Cafe.
This was the most delicious thing I have ever eaten.
A hidden gem on our road trip was Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
The town was originally called Hot Springs but was changed to Truth or Consequences in the 1950s, named after a local radio show.
We stayed at Riverbend Hot Springs, a funky place complete with free mineral baths situated right on the Rio Grande River.
The accommodation was a bargain and we made plenty of use of the relaxing mineral baths.
We ended our road trip in Las Vegas, Nevada, staying a the Stratosphere Tower complete with rooftop thrill rides.
The all-you-can-eat buffet allowed us to go back as many times as we liked during the day.
The places I've mentioned were only a handful of the magnificent places we visited on our 10-state road trip.
We had a fantastic time and our memories of the trip will last forever. - Steph Bond.
